1. No category

“Keratin-Based”
Hair Smoothing Products
And the Presence of Formaldehyde
Oregon OSHA
A Division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services
and CROET
at Oregon Health & Sciences University
October 29, 2010
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
1
Authors
4
Reviewers
5
Background and History
7
Signs, Symptoms and Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure
10
Formaldehyde and Methylene Glycol
12
Analytical Methods
18
Summary and Discussion of Oregon OSHA Bulk Sample Results
21
Summary and Discussion of Oregon OSHA Air Monitoring Results
25
Conclusion
32
Executive Summary
Background
Earlier this year, a stylist at a Portland area hair salon contacted staff at the Center for Research
in Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (CROET) at the Oregon Health Sciences
University (OHSU) as a result of difficulty breathing, nose bleeds and eye irritation when using a
popular hair smoothing product. The salon had discontinued the use of the product due to these
adverse effects. The product, when used as directed, is combed in, blow dried and heated with
flat irons during the treatment process. In evaluating the issue, CROET noted that the material
safety data sheet (MSDS) accompanying the product listed no hazardous ingredients or
impurities. The MSDS also indicated no respiratory hazards or related precautions. The
container did not include chemical ingredients on its label.
CROET asked for Oregon OSHA’s assistance in collecting a sample and determining the content
of the product, known as Brazilian Blowout Solution. The Oregon OSHA laboratory analyzed
the sample using five different test methods, four of which provide “quantitative” results while
the fifth simply indicates whether formaldehyde is present at detectable levels. Each of the five
separate analyses concluded that formaldehyde was present well above regulated levels, with the
quantitative methods producing respective results ranging from 6.3 to 10.6 percent. In analyzing
samples of a newer “formaldehyde free” version of the product, Oregon OSHA’s laboratory
found it contained roughly 8.5 percent formaldehyde.
In response to these findings, and based not only on the lack of information available to stylists
on the hazards but also on the newer product’s prominent label declaration and marketing of the
product as “formaldehyde free,” CROET posted an advisory on its website and Oregon OSHA
began an enforcement initiative allowing it to obtain a significant number of additional samples
from Oregon salons, as well as to conduct air monitoring in addition to the monitoring conducted
at the request of several salons. That laboratory analysis found formaldehyde in all the Brazilian
Blowout samples analyzed as well as in several other products, to varying degrees.
Signs, Symptoms and Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure
The irritant effects of formaldehyde are well documented, with reports of eye, nose and throat
irritation, loss of sense of smell, increased upper respiratory disease, dry and sore throats,
respiratory tract irritation, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and wheezing. The National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cites many reports of primary skin
irritation and allergic dermatitis as a result of skin contact with water solutions of formaldehyde.
Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration classify formaldehyde as a suspected human carcinogen because of links to nasal
cancer and leukemia, while NIOSH and the International Agency for Research on Cancer list it
as a known human carcinogen.
Formaldehyde and Methylene Glycol
Oregon OSHA and CROET have concluded that it is scientifically correct to measure the
“formaldehyde content” of a solution without excluding that portion of the formaldehyde that has
reacted with the water to form “methylene glycol.” While discussions about the value of such a
distinction may continue, the fact remains that existing workplace health regulations and
October 29, 2010
Page 1
widespread practice in protecting workers from dangerous chemicals has considered and
continues to consider formaldehyde mixed with water to be appropriately described as
“formaldehyde in solution.” The hazards posed by these products remain the same regardless of
the name used to describe them. The Formaldehyde Standard enforced by both federal OSHA
and Oregon OSHA applies to formaldehyde in all of its forms and specifically includes several
other terms, including “methylene glycol.”
Overview of Sample Results
A total of 105 samples of various hair-smoothing products were taken from 54 Oregon salons.
Of these, 37 samples came from bottles of the Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing
Solution, labeled “formaldehyde free.” The formaldehyde content of these samples ranged from
6.8 percent to 11.8 percent and averaged more than 8 percent. An additional 19 of the samples
were of Brazilian Blowout Solution (not labeled “formaldehyde free” but does not mention
formaldehyde on its packaging or material safety data sheet). The formaldehyde content of these
samples ranged from 6.4 to 10.8 percent and averaged approximately eight percent.
In addition to the Brazilian Blowout products, a limited number of samples also were taken of
several other hair smoothing products. With three exceptions, all the other products tested at less
than 2.5 percent formaldehyde, although several of them were above the 0.1 percent threshold of
the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard.
Oregon OSHA also conducted air monitoring during treatments using the Brazilian Blowout
smoothing product at seven different salons where a single treatment was conducted over the
course of the day. The 8-hour average exposures ranged from a low of 0.006 parts per million
(ppm) to 0.33 ppm. These compare to a permissible exposure limit of 0.75 ppm. Although it
was not exceeded for any of these stylists, it should be noted that multiple treatments would
increase the daily average significantly.
During its air monitoring, Oregon OSHA also found short-term exposures ranging from a high of
0.11 for one stylist to a high of 1.88 ppm for another. These compare to a short-term exposure
limit of 2.0 ppm. The limit was not exceeded, although the highest short-term exposure
represents 94 percent of the short-term limit.
Oregon OSHA and CROET also note that the recommended exposure limits of both the
American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are much more protective than the regulatory
levels adopted by OSHA. Almost all the sample results in these cases exceeded both the ACGIH
and NIOSH recommended levels.
Conclusion
Oregon OSHA and CROET have concluded that there are meaningful risks to salon workers
when they are confronted with these hair smoothing products. Effective control of those risks
depends upon accurate information regarding the potential hazards and the control measures
available, which in turn begins with an accurate understanding of the ingredients and the
potential harm they may cause.
In conjunction with this report, Oregon OSHA is advising Oregon salons and stylists that hairsmoothing treatments – particularly those generally referred to as “Keratin-based treatments” –
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 2
should generally be treated as formaldehyde-containing products and the requirements of the
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard must be followed when there are employees under the Oregon
Safe Employment Act (OSEA). Further, employers should be advised that any product that
contains “methylene glycol” will continue to be treated as a formaldehyde-containing product
under the OSEA.
October 29, 2010
Page 3
Authors
Kermit McCarthy, MA, CIH1; David McLaughlin2; Dede Montgomery, MS, CIH3;
Peggy Munsell, MS, CSP4; Marilyn Schuster, MBA5; Michael Wood, CSP6
1
Mr. McCarthy has worked for Oregon OSHA as an analytical chemist in the American Industrial Hygiene
Association (AIHA) accredited laboratory (ISO 17025) since August of 1980, when the program was known as the
Accident Prevention Division. He has been the Laboratory Manager since July of 2000. His prior experience
included a year working for Georgia Pacific in a gypsum wallboard plant and a year at OHSU in a biochemistry
research laboratory. McCarthy, a Certified Industrial Hygienist, received a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis and Clark
College and a Master of Arts in Organic Chemistry from Oregon State University.
McCarthy has coauthored the following peer-reviewed papers:
• P.K. Freeman and Kermit McCarthy, "Photochemistry of oxime carbamates; Phototransformations of
aldicarb". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 1984, 32, 875.
• J.H. Fellman, E.S. Roth, N.A. Avedovech and K.D. McCarthy, "Mammalian hypotaurine amino
transferase: isethionate product". Life Sciences, 1980, 27 (21), 1999.
• J.H. Fellman, E.S. Roth, N.A. Avedovech and K.D. McCarthy, "The metabolism of taurine to isethionate".
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 1980, 204 (2), 560
• Marija Janko, Kermit McCarthy, Michael Fajer and John Van Raalte, “Occupational Exposure to 1,6Hexamethylene Diisocyanate-Based Polyisocyanates in the State of Oregon, 1980-1990”. American
Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 1992, 53, 331.
• Marija Janko, Kermit McCarthy, et al., "Personal monitoring for formaldehyde using activated 13x
molecular sieve tube". Journal of Applied Industrial Hygiene, 1987, 3.
McCarthy, a member of the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, also has
been a frequent presenter at the Northwest Occupational Health Conference and at other venues. A limited sample
of his presentation topics includes the following:
• “Analysis of Wood Preservatives,” to the Northwest Occupational Health Conference
• “Current Issues in Ozone Analysis,” to the Northwest Occupational Health Conference
• “Methyl Mercaptan Analysis,” to the Northwest Occupational Health Conference
• “Analysis of Isocyanates,” to the Northwest Occupational Health Conference
• “The Effect of Blank Values on the Detection Limit of Formaldehyde,” to the Northwest Occupational
Health Conference
• “Basic Chemistry” for the CIH/CSP Preparation Class at the Oregon Governor’s Conference
2
Mr. McLaughlin began his career in industrial hygiene with the US Air Force in 1987, and joined Oregon OSHA in
1991, working first as a Health Compliance Officer. He became part of the Technical Section in 1996 and has
worked on writing and revising rules, publications, interpretations, and fact sheets. He provides technical assistance
to Oregon OSHA field staff as well as employers.
3
Ms. Montgomery received her Master of Science from the School of Public Health, Department of Environmental
Health Sciences at the University of Washington in 1986 and her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of
Montana in 1983. She has been a Certified Industrial Hygienist since 1990. Before joining CROET in 2004, she
held positions with a Portland-based industrial hygiene and training consulting firm and as the Regional Health and
Safety Manager for EPA Region 10 in Seattle. Ms. Montgomery is a member of the Pacific NW Section of the
American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Society of Safety Engineers and the American Conference
of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Ms. Montgomery is a frequent presenter on occupational health topics at
various occupational safety and health conferences and has served as a guest lecturer at both Portland State
University and Oregon State University.
4
Ms. Munsell received her Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene from the Montana School of Mines and
Engineering and her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Montana State University. She has been the
Manager of the Oregon OSHA Technical Section since 2005 and has worked for Oregon OSHA since 2002. Prior
to her state employment, she worked for ASARCO in Texas as a Safety Director, following 18 years in the health
care industry. Ms. Munsell is a Certified Safety Professional and a professional member of the American Society of
Safety Engineers.
5
Ms. Schuster, who has been involved in workplace health and safety regulation since 1979, joined Oregon OSHA
in 1991. As the Policy Manager, her program’s duties include the adoption and interpretation of Oregon OSHA
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 4
Reviewers
In addition to the listed authors, a number of CROET and Oregon OSHA staff helped to prepare
and review this report. Without their efforts, this report could not have been completed in the
relatively short time period available. In addition, CROET and Oregon OSHA thank those
chemistry and toxicology experts listed below, who agreed to review drafts of the report
specifically in relation to the discussion of the chemistry and toxicology of formaldehyde in an
unusually short time frame. Their courtesy and assistance are greatly appreciated by the authors.
•
•
•
•
Fred Berman, DVM, PhD. Dr. Berman is the Director of the Toxicology Information Center at
CROET, a position he has held since joining the program in 2001. He also serves as a Senior Research
Associate at CROET. Dr. Berman received his PhD in Toxicology from Oregon State University in 1994,
having previously received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and practiced farm and companion animal
medicine for nine years. Dr. Berman has published extensively in peer-reviewed literature, having
authored or co-authored more than a dozen in articles in publications such as The Journal of Medical
Chemistry, The Journal of the American Chemical Society, and The Journal of Biochemical Toxicology.
Dr. Berman also authored chapters in the Encyclopedia of Toxicology (Wexler, P., ed. Academic Press,
NY), Information Resources in Toxicology, 4th Edition (Wexler, P., ed. Academic Press, NY), and Food
Toxins (D’Mellos, J.P.F., ed. Oxford, CABI Publishing).
Russell L. Dills, PhD. Dr. Dills has been a research scientist in the University of Washington’s
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences since 1988 and has been the Director of
the UW’s Environmental Health Laboratories and Trace Organic Analytical Center since 2005. He
received his PhD in Toxicology from the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1986. He has Bachelor
of Science degrees from the University of Washington in both Chemistry and Biology. Dr. Dills has
published extensively in peer-reviewed literature, having authored or co-authored more than 40 articles in
publications such as Analytical Chemistry, The Journal of Pharmacology, The Journal of Chromatography,
The Journal of Occupational Health, and Chemical Research in Toxicology. Many of these articles relate
specifically to the analysis of workplace chemical samples, a subject on which he also has presented
frequently.
Michael M. Haley, PhD. Dr. Haley is Head of the Chemistry Department at the University of Oregon,
where he is a professor of organic, organometallic, and materials chemistry. He is a member of the
University’s Materials Science Institute, an interdisciplinary State Center of Excellence. Dr. Haley received
his PhD and Bachelor of Arts from Rice University. Dr. Haley has received numerous awards for
excellence in both teaching and research. Dr. Haley has published in a number of peer-reviewed journals
and is the author or co-author of more than 100 articles in publications such as The Journal of the American
Chemical Society, The Journal of Organic Chemistry, The Journal of Physical Chemistry, and
Organometallics.
Thomas M. Harris, PhD. Dr. Harris is Centennial Professor, Emeritus and a Research Professor at
Vanderbilt University. Dr. Harris received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Duke University and his
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Rochester. His career in Vanderbilt’s Department
of Chemistry began in 1964 and includes ancillary appointments, among them 28 years in Vanderbilt’s
Center for Environmental Toxicology, including 19 years as Associate Director of the Center. Among his
rules, as well as providing technical guidance documents and other materials. Ms. Schuster was previously
employed by Federal OSHA in Portland and Washington, D.C., where she managed the regulatory impact analysis
of OSHA standards. While at Federal OSHA, Ms. Schuster was a part of the standards development team that
adopted the 1992 formaldehyde standard. A member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, Ms. Schuster has
both a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Portland State University.
6
Mr. Wood has been the Administrator of Oregon OSHA since 2005. Prior to that, he worked for more than 10
years as the Senior Program Manager for WISHA Policy & Technical Services at the Washington State Department
of Labor and Industries and spent eight months as the Acting Assistant Director for WISHA Services. He is a 1983
graduate of Gonzaga University, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science, and was certified by the
Board of Certified Safety Professionals in 2003. Mr. Wood is a professional member of the American Society of
Safety Engineers and an affiliate member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
October 29, 2010
Page 5
•
•
many honors are several years on the Editorial Advisory Board of Chemical Research in Toxicology and
the 1993 Earl Sutherland Award for Excellence in Research. Dr. Harris has published extensively in peerreviewed journals and is the author or co-author of more than 300 articles in journals such as The Journal
of the American Chemical Society, The Journal of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical
Research in Toxicology.
David Kalman, PhD. Dr. Kalman is the Chair and a Professor in the Department of Environmental and
Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community
Medicine. Dr. Kalman, who received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Washington, is an
organic chemist by training. He directed the UW Environmental Health Laboratory for 17 years. He has
served on two National Academies committees and chaired the Washington State Cholinesterase Rule
Science Advisory Committee, which included a four-year review of analytical data quality in that program.
During his career of more than 30 years, he has made numerous presentations and published extensively in
peer-reviewed journals on range of topics involving the detection and measurement of chemical hazards in
materials, workplaces, and environmental samples. Dr. Kalman’s articles have appeared in publications
such as The Journal of Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Toxicology, Clinical
Toxicology, The Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, and The American Industrial Hygiene
Association Journal.
Carmelo J. Rizzo, PhD. Dr. Rizzo is a Professor of Chemistry in Organic and Biorganic Chemistry at
Vanderbilt University. Dr. Rizzo received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of
Pennsylvania and his BA. in Chemistry from Temple. He was an NIH Post-doctoral Research Associate at
Columbia University before joining the faculty at Vanderbilt University in 1992. Dr. Rizzo has served as a
member of the National Institute of Environmental Health Science Review Committee and the Editorial
Advisory Board of Chemical Research in Toxicology. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed
journals, such as The Journal of The American Chemical Society, Chemical Research Toxicology, The
Journal of Biological Chemistry, Chemical Research in Toxicology, and Biochemistry.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 6
Background and History
Although the discussion of formaldehyde in relation to hair straightening and smoothing
treatments has been going on within the industry for some time, the direct involvement of the
State of Oregon from a workplace health and safety perspective began earlier this year.
Staff at the Center for Research in Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (CROET) at the
Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) were contacted by a local Oregon salon regarding a
product used in the salon that appeared to cause difficulty breathing, nosebleeds and eye
irritation in stylists using the product as directed. The salon had discontinued the use of the
product due to these adverse effects. The product, named Brazilian Blowout Solution,7 is used as
a hair smoother and is applied to the hair, which is then heated with flat irons during the
treatment process. In evaluating the issue, CROET noted that the material safety data sheet
(MSDS) accompanying the product listed no hazardous ingredients or impurities. The MSDS
further identified no respiratory hazards or precautions. No chemical ingredients label appears
on the container.
In an effort to identify a potential source for the reported symptoms, CROET requested
consultative services from the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Oregon
Department of Consumer and Business Services, generally known as “Oregon OSHA.” CROET
staff delivered the original container to Oregon OSHA, and an Oregon OSHA industrial hygiene
consultant took a sample of the contents using standard sampling protocols. The sample was
then delivered to Oregon OSHA’s own accredited laboratory for analysis.
Test results demonstrated that the product contained 4.8 percent formaldehyde by weight, well
beyond levels that could accurately be described as “incidental” or “trace” levels of the product.8
The product also was found to contain methanol, ethanol, 2-hydroxylethyl methacrylate, and
hexadecanol.
CROET also noted that the symptoms by the stylists who raised the issue are consistent with
formaldehyde exposure.
As a result of these initial results, and because of the lack of readily available information
regarding the hazards of the product, CROET issued a notice on its “emerging issues and alerts”
web page on September 16, 2010.9
In researching the issue, CROET had become aware of previous industry reports of
formaldehyde in similar products and noted that the company had begun marketing a
“formaldehyde free” product named the Acai Professional Smoothing Solution.10 Before
7
The salon provided CROET with documentation indicating that the specific product had been shipped to the salon
by Brazilian Blowout on August 31, 2009.
8
Formaldehyde exists at trace levels in many substances. With regard to the amount of formaldehyde in these
products, it may be worthwhile to note that solutions for the preservation of laboratory specimens typically contain
10 percent formalin. Formalin itself is a solution that contains 37 percent formaldehyde. In other words, the amount
of formaldehyde present in a typical solution sold to schools, hospitals and other laboratories for the preservation of
tissue is roughly 3.7 percent by weight. See, for example, http://www.sciencestuff.com/prod/Chem-Rgnts/C1771.
9
This alert and CROET’s subsequent alerts can be accessed on the CROET web page. The alert is found at
http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/croet/emerging-issues-and-alerts.cfm.
10
It is not clear exactly how the Acai Professional Smoothing Solution differs from the prior product. However, the
company indicated on its Facebook page on October 4, 2010, that “Our old formula contained glutaraldehyde. We
October 29, 2010
Page 7
recommending the new, apparently reformulated product to the salon as a solution to the
problem, CROET arranged to obtain a sample of the new product from a different salon. Again,
CROET brought the original bottle to an Oregon OSHA industrial hygiene consultant, who again
took a sample and provided it to the laboratory for analysis.11
The Oregon OSHA laboratory analyzed the sample using five different test methods, four of
which provide “quantitative” results while the fifth simply indicates whether formaldehyde is
present at detectable levels. Each of the five separate analyses concluded that formaldehyde was
present well above regulated levels, with the quantitative methods producing respective results of
10.6 percent, 6.3 percent, 10.6 percent and 10.4 percent.12
In response to these findings, and based not only on the lack of information on the hazards but
also on the prominent label declaration and marketing of the product as “formaldehyde free,”
CROET issued an updated advisory on September 24, 2010. In order to ensure that the results
were not the result of tampering with the product, Oregon OSHA contacted a salon identified
from the Brazilian Blowout website to ask for a sample of the product. An Oregon OSHA staffer
went to the salon and obtained a sample directly from a bottle of the Acai Professional
Smoothing Solution.13 The laboratory’s analyses of this product sample determined that
formaldehyde was present using four different methods, and the three quantitative methods
identified the concentration of formaldehyde by weight respectively at 8.4 percent, 8.6 percent
and 8.7 percent.
Also on October 5, 2010, Oregon OSHA began an enforcement initiative allowing it to obtain
directly from Oregon salons a significant number of additional samples of products, including
products from other manufacturers. In addition, the initiative provided the opportunity for air
monitoring in addition to monitoring conducted at the request of several salons. The conclusions
reached as a result of all the samples gathered, including those gathered as a result of this
enforcement emphasis, are discussed at length elsewhere in the document. However, laboratory
analysis found formaldehyde in all the Brazilian Blowout product samples analyzed (as well as
in several other products, to varying degrees).
reformulated in October of 2009 to become hyde free” and stated on October 5, 2010, “Our solution changed in
October of 2009. We used to have glutaraldehyde in our solution but our reformulation does not contain a "hyde" of
any sort.”
11
In the case of the second bottle, the salon provided CROET with documentation indicating that the specific
product had been shipped by the company on August 12, 2010. No samples were received by Oregon OSHA from
any source in unmarked bottles.
12
Of the four methods, Oregon OSHA’s laboratory has generally considered the method resulting in the 6.3 percent
result to be the least reliable in determining the amount of formaldehyde present. This method is intended to
analyze samples in the range of 0.1 to 2 percent formaldehyde. At more than 2 percent formaldehyde, the endpoint
is difficult to determine.
13
The bottle, like the other bottles tested, was in use and had therefore been opened. On the same visit, at the request
of the salon, Oregon OSHA also obtained samples of two other hair smoothing treatments. Subsequent analysis also
found formaldehyde in those samples, although at somewhat lower levels (ranging between 0.97 and 1.2 percent for
one product and between 2.1 and 2.2 percent for the other). These results are included in the discussion of the
laboratory analyses found in a later section of this document.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 8
On October 8, 2010, Oregon OSHA issued an advisory suggesting “continued caution by salon
workers” and noting that the federal OSHA standard applies not only to gaseous formaldehyde
but also to formaldehyde in solution, including methylene glycol.14
The purpose of the present report is to provide a discussion of the issues raised and the results of
Oregon OSHA’s laboratory tests as they relate to Oregon employers and Oregon workers. For
the reasons discussed at greater length in the remainder of this document, Oregon OSHA and
CROET have concluded that there are meaningful risks to salon workers when they are
confronted with these hair smoothing products. Effective control of those risks depends upon
accurate information regarding the potential hazards and the control measures available, which
begins with an accurate understanding of the ingredients and the potential harm they may cause.
14
The advisory can be found at http://www.cbs.state.or.us/osha/admin/newsrelease/2010/nr2010_25.pdf. The
suggestion that formaldehyde effectively ceases to be appropriately referenced as formaldehyde when it is dissolved
in water is dealt with at some length in other portions of this document.
October 29, 2010
Page 9
Signs, Symptoms and Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure15
The majority of formaldehyde exposures occur by inhalation or through skin and eye contact.
Most people can detect the odor of formaldehyde at concentrations between 0.5 and 1.0 parts per
million. Those people who become sensitized to formaldehyde may experience headaches and
minor eye and airway irritation even at relatively low levels.
The irritant effects of formaldehyde are well documented, with reports of eye, nose and throat
irritation, loss of sense of smell, increased upper respiratory disease, dry and sore throats,
respiratory tract irritation, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and wheezing. The National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cites many reports of primary skin
irritation and allergic dermatitis as a result of skin contact with water solutions of formaldehyde.
The American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recognizes formaldehyde as a
sensitizer, based on the reports of allergic reactions/sensitizations following occupational and
non-occupational exposures. Sensitizers not only can cause allergic reactions in at least some
individuals, but they also increase the risk that exposed individuals will react to the substance in
the future, perhaps at much lower exposures. In the case of formaldehyde, the widespread
exposure to the product at low levels heightens the concerns with regard to sensitization.
ACGIH notes that “there is a substantial portion of the population, comprising up to 20%, for
whom airborne formaldehyde at concentrations on the order of 0.25 to 0.5 ppm is troublesome”
and that “it is plausible that a similar proportion (10% to 20%) who are more responsive, may
react acutely to formaldehyde at very low concentrations <0.25 ppm.” ACGIH further states that
in consideration of these reports, “individuals who may already be sensitized or otherwise
unusually responsive to formaldehyde may not be adequately protected from adverse health
effects caused by formaldehyde exposures at or below the recommended threshold limit values,
TLV (ceiling) of 0.3 ppm.”
Adverse effects on the central nervous system such as increased headaches, depression, mood
changes, insomnia, irritability, attention deficit, and impairment of dexterity, memory and
equilibrium have been reported to result from long-term exposure.
Although the evidence in humans has been questioned by some in industry, both the
Environmental Protection Agency and the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration regard formaldehyde as a possible human carcinogen and regulate it accordingly.
The best documented risks involve nasal cancer.
There have been reports of menstrual disorders in women occupationally exposed to
formaldehyde, but they are controversial. Formaldehyde has not been proven to cause birth
defects in animals and is probably not likely to cause birth defects in humans at occupationally
permissible levels. However, special consideration regarding the exposure of pregnant women is
warranted since formaldehyde has been shown to damage DNA.
15
The material in this section is based upon guidance provided in Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and
Biological Exposure Indices, 7th Edition, published by the ACGIH and in “Medical Management Guidelines for
Formaldehyde,” published by the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, United States Department of
Health and Human Services.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 10
CROET has received numerous phone calls and emails from stylists from around the United
States since first posting an alert on the hair product on September 16, 2010. Many of the stylists
reported health symptoms associated with the use of this product at work. The health symptoms
reported include the following: burning of eyes and throat, watering of eyes, dry mouth, loss of
smell, headache and a feeling of “grogginess,” malaise, shortness of breath and breathing
problems, a diagnosis of epiglottitis attributed by the stylist to their use of the product, fingertip
numbness, and dermatitis. Some of these effects were also reported to have been experienced by
the stylists’ clients. CROET also received emails from persons who report hair loss after having
the treatment. Oregon OSHA has received similar, although generally less detailed, reports from
individuals who have contacted the agency as a result of recent media coverage.
October 29, 2010
Page 11
Formaldehyde and Methylene Glycol
Overview
The question has been raised as to whether it is scientifically incorrect to measure the
“formaldehyde content” of a solution without excluding that portion of the formaldehyde that has
reacted with the water to form “methylene glycol.” Based on an understanding of both the
chemistry and the toxicology involved, CROET and Oregon OSHA have concluded that it is
indeed appropriate to refer to both the hydrated and the non-hydrated formaldehyde as
formaldehyde, finding the distinction to be of no relevance in the context of worker protection.
The rigid distinction between gaseous formaldehyde and hydrated formaldehyde is widely
disregarded throughout the commercial chemical industry, as well as throughout the general
practice of chemistry and, in particular, the practice of toxicology. Indeed, any dictionary
definition of the term “formalin” is likely to define it as “formaldehyde in solution.” Even
advocates for limiting the use of the term “formaldehyde” to refer to gaseous formaldehyde alone
acknowledge that their position is widely disregarded, although they mistakenly conclude that
this disregard is the result of a failure of researchers, analytical chemists, toxicologists and other
professionals to understand the basic chemistry involved.
While the argument about the value of such a distinction may continue, the fact remains that
existing workplace health regulations and widespread practice in protecting workers from
dangerous chemicals has considered and continues to consider formaldehyde mixed with water
to be appropriately described as “formaldehyde in solution.”
Toxic actions of formaldehyde occur after gaseous formaldehyde has become dissolved in water
– free gaseous formaldehyde does not exist in cells – and to interact with cells covered with a
film of water, such as the eyes, the formaldehyde must first dissolve. An example of the toxic
effects of formaldehyde solutions can be seen in the changes tissues go through in the practice of
embalming. Solutions used for tissue preservation and other purposes are, as noted below,
routinely sold as “formaldehyde.” In all such cases, the majority of the formaldehyde reacts with
the water, as described in the following section, but remains potent.
Formaldehyde in solution
When formaldehyde is dissolved in water a large percentage is hydrated to form a gem-diol and a
very small percentage is left as gaseous formaldehyde.16
16
See, for example, Winkelman et al, “Kinetics and Chemical Equilibrium of the Hydration of Formaldehyde,”
Chemical Engineering Science 57 (2002) p. 4067: “Because formaldehyde is unstable in its pure, gaseous state it is
usually produced as an aqueous solution. In such a solution, formaldehyde is almost completely hydrated to
methylene glycol.”
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 12
Although most of the gaseous formaldehyde in the solution therefore becomes hydrated
(methylene glycol), this equilibrium between the gaseous and hydrated formaldehyde remains in
flux. In mere fractions of a second, gaseous formaldehyde is hydrated and hydrated
formaldehyde returns to the gaseous state. And the equilibrium is “rebalanced” every time that
gaseous formaldehyde is used or released into the air. As a result, the hydrated formaldehyde
portion of the solution effectively becomes a reservoir of gaseous formaldehyde.
Solutions of formaldehyde left in the open air release gaseous formaldehyde. As this takes place,
hydrated formaldehyde in the solution is dehydrated, producing (and releasing) more gaseous
formaldehyde, and the overall concentration of formaldehyde (both gaseous and hydrated) in the
solution is reduced. This dynamic process continues, therefore, not until the original amount of
gaseous formaldehyde alone has been “used up.” Instead, under certain conditions it will
continue until the hydrated portion of the solution has been depleted.17
The rate of release of gaseous formaldehyde and the resultant depletion in solution is increased
with agitation or heat. The gaseous formaldehyde in the solution reacts with chemicals, human
hair or tissue with the same consequence. The reaction uses up the available gaseous
formaldehyde, which in turn is replenished from the reservoir of hydrated formaldehyde
available in the solution. For this reason, the hazards associated with the use of a solution of
formaldehyde are the same as the hazards of gaseous formaldehyde since the solution so readily
releases gaseous formaldehyde. And describing the solution as containing only the amount of
gaseous formaldehyde in the solution distorts the risks and dramatically understates the amount
of formaldehyde readily available in the solution.
It is the recognition of that reality that causes industrial chemists and toxicologists (as well as
those teaching high school and college chemistry) to refer to the solutions as “containing”
formaldehyde. The formaldehyde can be placed in solution – and the chemical can be removed
from solution. The fact that most of it temporarily changes chemical form while it is in solution
does not change the reality in any meaningful fashion. A somewhat similar process occurs with
saline solution – but manufacturers and users of saline solution quite correctly describe the
solution as containing “salt.”18
References in Scientific Literature and the Industry “Marketplace”
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) calls the gem-diol formed (the
hydrated form of formaldehyde) methanediol. One synonym for this is indeed methylene glycol.
The IUPAC is the international group that gives chemicals their official names. In practice,
these terms are rarely used. The international chemical community often refers to the substance
17
Although not an issue in relation the products in question, formaldehyde also appears in solid forms. Trioxane is a
trimer of formaldehyde and para-formaldehyde is a polymer of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde gas is liberated from
trioxane and para-formaldehyde when heated (cracked).
18
Although salt, known chemically as “sodium chloride” (NaCl) is added to water to create saline solution, most of
the sodium chloride separates when the salt is dissolved in water. As a result, the saline solution contains separate
sodium and chloride ions. When the water is removed by heat or evaporation, however, the chemical bond is
restored and the sodium chloride reforms. In spite of this transitory chemical reaction, manufacturers of saline
solution routinely describe the solution as containing a certain percentage of “salt” or of sodium chloride.
October 29, 2010
Page 13
as formaldehyde in solution or formalin.19 In addition, texts on chemistry and toxicology
routinely refer to formaldehyde as existing in solution.20
The authoritative guide Patty’s Toxicology, in discussing formaldehyde, lists both formalin and
methylene glycol as among the many synonyms for formaldehyde.21
Chemical companies offering chemicals for sale do not list methanediol or methylene glycol in
their catalogs. They list formaldehyde solutions or formalin. Frequently, a search for
“formaldehyde” will find few if any references to anything other than formaldehyde in
solution.22 If methylene glycol is not appropriately described as formaldehyde in solution, it
would mean that these companies are in error when they claim to sell formaldehyde – and it
would mean that the formaldehyde solutions they sell should all be appropriately labeled
“formaldehyde free.” To the contrary, the bottles, material safety data sheets and certificates of
analysis for these products do not list “percent methanediol” or “percent methylene glycol.”
They list “percent formaldehyde.”
19
See, for example, the following resources that refer to “formaldehyde in solution:”
• the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0294.html;
• the International Chemical Safety Pocket Cards published by NIOSH and several international partners at
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0695.html;
• the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Toxicological Profile at
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp111-c3.pdf;
• the Hazardous Substance Data Bank of the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) at
http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/hazmap_generic?tbl=TblAgents&id=760;
• published monograph of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health
Organization (WHO) at http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol88/mono88-6.pdf.
20
See, for example, the following references (the apparent inconsistency regarding the amount of formaldehyde in
standard full-strength formalin is that such solutions are 37 percent formaldehyde by weight, but 40 percent
formaldehyde by volume):
• Organic Chemistry, by L.G. Wade, Jr. (1999), 4th edition, published by Prentice-Hall, Inc., discusses the
issue on pages 789-790. Although the graphics on page 790 clearly acknowledge the change in chemical
structure, the text on page 789 includes the following statement: “Formaldehyde is a gas at room
temperature, so it is often stored and used as a 40 percent aqueous solution called formalin.”
• Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, by John McMurry and Mary E. Castellion
(2006), 4th edition, published by Pearson Education, Inc. discusses formaldehyde on pages 449-450,
including the statement “Formaldehyde is commonly sold as a 37%...aqueous solution under the name
formalin.” The text’s discussion of the general relationship between dose and toxicity on page 455 also
refers to “formaldehyde in solution.”
• Toxics A to Z: A Guide to Everyday Pollution Hazards, by John Harte, Cheryl Holdren, Richard Schneider
and Christine Shirley (1991), published by the University of California, includes a discussion of
formaldehyde on pages 318 through 321. It includes following observation on page 318: “Generally sold in
alcohol solutions, formaldehyde retains its odor and ability to irritate eyes and mucous membranes. Any
biology student who has dissected a frog or a worm is familiar with formaldehyde in the form of the
preservative formalin, a clear, watery solution having a characteristic pungent odor.”
21
Eula Bingham, et al, ed. Patty’s Toxicology, 5th edition, p. 979.
22
See, for example, the following:
• A search for “formaldehyde” at the Science Kit & Boreal Laboratories web site identified six products, all
identified as “solutions” of formaldehyde (see http://sciencekit.com); a search for “methylene glycol” failed
to identify any products.
• A search for “formaldehyde” at VWR International found dozens of solutions containing formaldehyde
(see https://www.vwrsp.com/).
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 14
In analyzing and discussing methods for determining the formaldehyde content of air samples,
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and other organizations routinely refer
to “formaldehyde solutions” or “aqueous formaldehyde.”23 Such methods include the aqueous
formaldehyde in such solutions – not just the small amount that exists in gaseous form – when
determining the amount of “free formaldehyde” present in the solution.24
In its congressionally-mandated Report on Carcinogens, the National Toxicology Program
includes a discussion of formaldehyde (gas). Although the report focuses on the carcinogenic
nature of the gas itself, it includes the following description of formaldehyde that discusses
formaldehyde in solution:
Formaldehyde is a flammable, colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It is
highly soluble in water (up to 55%), acetone, benzene, chloroform, diethyl ether, and
ethanol. The gas is stable in the absence of water, but it is incompatible with oxidizers,
alkalis, acids, phenols, and urea. Explosive reactions occur with peroxide, nitrogen
oxide, and performic acid. Anhydrous gaseous formaldehyde is not available
commercially. Most formaldehyde is sold as aqueous solutions, known as formalin,
containing 30% to 50% formaldehyde with 0.5% to 15% methanol as a polymerization
inhibitor.25 [emphasis added]
One of the areas of research chemistry where analysis of methanediol or methylene glycol shows
promise is apparently the study of interstellar materials. But even in such discussions, which
clearly acknowledge the distinction between methylene glycol (methanediol) and gaseous
formaldehyde, there are descriptions of formaldehyde in solution at levels that the company’s
position would render impossible. In reporting on the decomposition of “gas phase” methanediol
to formaldehyde, for example, an article in the September 2003 Journal of Chemical Physics
nonetheless refers to a “5% by weight aqueous solution of formaldehyde.”26 The article also
includes the useful explanation that, at “low” temperatures (below minus 280 degrees
Fahrenheit), methanediol is essentially stable, while at “high” temperatures (above 80 degrees
Fahrenheit) it “decomposes into formaldehyde and water.”27 A temperature of 80 degrees may
be described as a high temperature in the context of outer space, but it is certainly well within
reach in the workplace (and off-gassing of formaldehyde begins at much lower temperatures).
And the 80 degree threshold is considerably cooler than the temperature to which the solutions in
question will be heated as part of the hair smoothing process.
23
See, for example, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/pdfs/2016.pdf for a description of the HPLC/UV
Method 2016) and http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/pdfs/2541.pdf for a description of the GC Method
2541). Further discussion of the methods can be found in the section entitled “Analytical Methods.”
24
LA Testing, the laboratory relied upon by Health Science Associates to analyze the air monitoring samples
referenced in the Brazilian Blowout’s October 15, 2010 statement, publicly advertises that it does bulk
formaldehyde analysis using HPLC/UV.
25
Report on Carcinogens, 11th Edition, published by the National Toxicology Program of the Public Health Services
Program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The report can be found at
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s089form.pdf.
26
David R. Kent IV, Susanna L. Widicus, Geoffrey A. Blake, William A. Goddard III, “A Theoretical Study of the
Conversion of Gas Phase Methanediol to Formaldehyde,” Journal of Chemical Physics, Volume 119, Number 10 (September 8,
2003), p. 5119.
27
Ibid., p. 5118. The original article gives the measurements using the Kelvin temperature scale, with the low
temperature described as being less than 100 K and the high temperature described as being greater than 300 K. The
Fahrenheit conversion in the text of the present discussion is used to provide a clearer context for the reader.
October 29, 2010
Page 15
A further example comes from an article specifically discussing the conversion of gaseous
formaldehyde to methylene glycol when formaldehyde is found in solution. In the course of the
discussion about the equilibrium between gaseous formaldehyde and methylene glycol, the
article’s authors refer to “hydrated formaldehyde” and to “aqueous formaldehyde” as terms to
describe the material in solution.28
Occupational Regulations and Guidance
The 1992 federal OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (CFR 1910.1048), which is enforced in Oregon
by Oregon OSHA, includes a number of provisions. In several sections, it makes it clear that the
standard applies not only to gaseous formaldehyde, but also to formaldehyde in solution.29 The
standard’s Appendix A, in discussing formalin, specifically references the term “methylene
glycol.”30 The standard itself, federal OSHA technical bulletins, federal OSHA interpretive
guidance,31 and federal OSHA discussions of analytical methods all make it clear that
28
J.G.M. Winkelman, O.K. Voorwinde, M. Ottens, A.A.C.M Beenackers, L.P.B.M. Janssen, “Kinetics and Chemical
Equilibrium of the Hydration of Formaldehyde,” Chemical Engineering Science 57 (2002) pp. 4067-4076.
29
See, for example, the following language from the federal standard (references to formaldehyde in solution have
been highlighted):
• Scope and application. This standard applies to all occupational exposures to formaldehyde, i.e. from
formaldehyde gas, its solutions, and materials that release formaldehyde. (CFR 1910.1048(a))
• All contact of the eyes and skin with liquids containing 1 percent or more formaldehyde shall be
prevented by the use of chemical protective clothing made of material impervious to formaldehyde and
the use of other personal protective equipment, such as goggles and face shields, as appropriate to the
operation. (CFR 1910.1048(h)(1)(i))
• If employees' skin may become splashed with solutions containing 1 percent or greater formaldehyde, for
example, because of equipment failure or improper work practices, the employer shall provide
conveniently located quick drench showers and assure that affected employees use these facilities
immediately. (CFR 1910.1048(i)(2))
• If there is any possibility that an employee's eyes may be splashed with solutions containing 0.1 percent or
greater formaldehyde, the employer shall provide acceptable eyewash facilities within the immediate work
area for emergency use. (CFR 1910.1048(i)(3))
• Housekeeping. For operations involving formaldehyde liquids or gas, the employer shall conduct a
program to detect leaks and spills, including regular visual inspections. (CFR 1910.1048(j))
• The following shall be subject to the hazard communication requirements of this paragraph:
formaldehyde gas, all mixtures or solutions composed of greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde, and
materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air, under reasonably foreseeable conditions of
use, at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm. (CFR 1910.1048(m)(1)(i))
30
CFR 1910.1048 Appendix A, “Substance Technical Guidelines for Formalin.”
31
See, for example, the following interpretative statements from federal OSHA (references to formaldehyde in
solution have been highlighted):
• Liquid formaldehyde can also cause severe damage to the eyes. Thus, the standard requires employers to
provide appropriate eye wash facilities within the immediate work area for emergency use by any employee
whose eyes are splashed with solutions containing 0.1 percent or more of formaldehyde. (December 12,
1989 response to questions about the standard).
• In addition to the inhalation hazard, solutions of formaldehyde (such as the formalin used as a tissue
preservative) can damage skin and eye tissue immediately upon contact. For this reason the standard
requires effective protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contact, as well as eyewashes and showers
if there is the possibility of splashes to eyes and body. (May 16, 1990 response to questions about the
standard’s application in medical schools).
• The severity of reactions to eye contact with formaldehyde solutions depends on the concentration of
formaldehyde in solution and the amount of time lapsed before emergency and medical intervention. ….
Accidental splashing of human eyes with aqueous solutions of 37 percent formaldehyde (formalin) has
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 16
measurements of the formaldehyde content of materials in relation to the standard appropriately
include aqueous formaldehyde. The two-page employer “fact sheet” designed as a quick
reference to the standard’s requirements includes several references to formaldehyde in solution,
beginning with the following statement:
Although the term formaldehyde describes various mixtures of formaldehyde, water and
alcohol, the term “formalin” more precisely describes aqueous solutions, particularly
those containing 37 to 50 percent formaldehyde and 6 to 15 percent alcohol stabilizer.32
Federal OSHA is not alone in referring to formaldehyde in solution. As noted previously,
NIOSH considers formalin to be “formaldehyde in solution,” as do a wide array of chemical,
medical and toxicology guides and dictionaries. The Hazard Evaluation System & Information
Service of the State of California’s Department of Health Services (in cooperation with the
state’s Department of Industrial Relations) has published a fact sheet on formaldehyde that not
only refers to formalin but also lists “methylene glycol” as one of several synonyms and trade
names of formaldehyde products.33
Regardless of the name used to refer to the solution, the hazards are the same. These solutions
present a serious hazard to the eyes, skin, nose and lungs. OSHA regulations require the
manufacturer to prepare a material safety data sheet for materials such as this and distribute to
the end user so they are aware of the hazards.
Oregon OSHA and CROET continue to believe it is appropriate from a scientific, toxicological
and regulatory standpoint to refer to liquid solutions as “containing formaldehyde” even though
much of that formaldehyde has been at least temporarily converted to methylene glycol. At the
same time, it should be noted if one were to substitute “methylene glycol” for all references to
“formaldehyde in solution,” “aqueous formaldehyde,” or “hydrated formaldehyde” in laboratory
reports and in lists of ingredients, such a substitution also would be necessary when discussing
the hazards of “formaldehyde in solution.”
When one considers the well-known dangers of consuming the substance, of letting it come into
contact with the skin, and of the likely production of gaseous formaldehyde, it is clear that
“methylene glycol” must appropriately be considered a hazardous substance. In that light, there
can be no question that a material safety data sheet that fails to acknowledge the hazards of
formaldehyde using either the term formaldehyde or the term methylene glycol is inaccurate and
violates the applicable rules when that product contains more than 0.1 percent formaldehyde
using standard laboratory analyses. A hyper-technical argument over appropriate chemical
nomenclature does not alter the applicable workplace health and safety requirements, nor should
it be allowed to disguise the risks, even if inadvertently.
produced a wide range of ocular injuries including corneal opacities and blindness. ….Skin contact with
formaldehyde solutions can cause irritation of the skin and allergic contact dermatitis. These skin diseases
and disorders can occur at levels well below those encountered by many formaldehyde workers. Symptoms
include erythema, edema, and vesiculation or hives. Exposure to liquid formalin or formaldehyde vapor
can provoke skin reactions in sensitized individuals even when airborne concentrations of formaldehyde
are well below 1 ppm. (March 25, 1998 response to questions about the standard’s application to
embalming in funeral homes).
32
Found at http://63.234.227.130/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/formaldehyde-factsheet.pdf, p. 1.
33
Found at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/hesis/Documents/formaldehyde.pdf, p. 1.
October 29, 2010
Page 17
Analytical Methods
In analyzing the various hair smoothing samples, the Oregon OSHA Laboratory had the option
of using several different analytical methods, both individually and as confirmation of one
another. The methods chosen depended upon several factors, as described below.
Bulk Sample Analysis
Two Brazilian Blowout samples were initially analyzed using an analytical technique that can
detect several aldehdyes including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and glutaraldehdye. This method
was selected because the actual contents of the bulk samples were not known. The method
derivatizes any aldehydes present with 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine to form a hydrazone.34,35,36
One drop of bulk was weighed and diluted to 10 milliliters in water. 200 microliters of this
solution was added to 2 milliliters of a 2,4-dintrophenyl hydrazine solution in acetonitrile. The
resultant mixture was analyzed by reverse phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography
(HPLC) using a methanol/water eluent with a C18 column and a diode array detector. Analysis
of the first two samples detected formaldehyde – and no other aldehydes. A third sample was
analyzed later and it contained only formaldehyde as well.
High Pressure Liquid Chromatogram of sample 10-C2731
HCHO - 3.930
1.00
AU
0.80
0.60
2,4-dinitropenyl hydrazone of
Formaldehyde
6.184
0.40
0.20
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
Minutes
5.00
5.50
6.00
6.50
7.00
7.50
8.00
Several other methods were used to confirm the presence of formaldehyde in the first few
samples received in the lab. The first method was the iced sulfite method used by the wood
products industry to measure formaldehyde in the presence of urea formaldehyde resins.37, 38
About 0.3 grams of the sample was added to a mixture of sodium sulfite, magnesium chloride
and thymolphthalein on ice. If formaldehyde was present a reaction with sodium sulfite
produced sodium hydroxide and the solution turned blue. The amount of sodium hydroxide
present was determined by back titration with hydrochloric acid to a clear endpoint.
34
Kazuhiro Kuwata, et. al, “Determination of Aliphatic and Aromatic Aldehydes in Polluted Airs as 2,4Dinitrophenyl hydrazones by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography” Journal of Chromatographic Science, May
1979, Vol 17, p 264.
35
RK Bealey, et. al. “Sampling of Formaldehyde in Air with Coated Solid Sorbent and Determination by High
Performance Liquid Chromatography” Anal. Chem. 1980, 52, 1110-1114.
36
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-113 (August, 1994), NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM), Fourth
Edition, FORMALDEHYDE: METHOD 2016, Issue 2, dated 15 March 2003.
37
North American Test Methods (NATM) –E01.
38
OAR 437-002-1910.1048 appendix C 4.3.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 18
The bulk samples were analyzed using a method based on derivatization of formaldehyde with
2,4-pentanedione (acetyl acetone).39, 40 A drop of the bulk was weighed and diluted to 10
milliliters with water. A solution of acetyl acetone in aqueous ammonium acetate was added to
an aliquot of the sample. If formaldehyde was present the solution turned yellow. The
concentration of formaldehyde was determined by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry at 412
nanometers.
The samples were also analyzed by HPLC using post column derivatization with acetyl
acetone.41, 42, 43 This method is used in the European Union to determine formaldehyde in
cosmetics. A sample was weighed and diluted to 10 milliliters in water. Depending on the final
concentration the sample was diluted again 1 to 10 or 1 to 100. Analysis was performed on a
reverse phase HPLC. The eluent was derivatized post column with acetyl acetone in aqueous
ammonium acetate, and the presence of formaldehyde was detected at 410 nanometers. This
method was used to analyze all of the samples received. It was selected because of its specificity
for formaldehyde.
High Performance Liquid Chromatogram of sample 10-C2731.
The formaldehyde was derivatized post column with acetyl acetone.
250
HCHO-BULK 9-22-10 #20
mAU
10A2731x500 dil
UV_VIS_1
W VL:410 nm
1 - Formaldehyde - 1.467
200
Derivatized formaldehyde
(3,5-diacetyl-1,4dihydrolutidine)
150
100
50
0
-50
0.00
min
0.13
0.25
0.38
0.50
0.63
0.75
0.88
1.00
1.13
1.25
1.37
1.50
1.62
1.75
1.87
2.00
2.12
2.25
2.37
2.50
2.62
2.75
2.87
3.00
Finally, a neat aliquot of three samples were injected onto a gas chromatograph-mass
spectrometer. Large peaks with the retention time of formaldehyde were detected in each
sample. These peaks were identified by mass spectral match.44
39
ASTM International, ASTM Standards D-19 Proposal P 216, Proposed Test Method for Formaldehyde in Water,
1995.
40
National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI). 1990. Investigation of Methodology to Assess
Gaseous and Releasable Formaldehyde from Paper and Wood Formaldehyde Resin Containing Dusts During the
Use of Personal Samplers for Workplace Airborne Dust. Technical Bulletin No. 0597. Research Triangle Park, NC:
41
European Union Official Journal of European Communities # L248 30/09/96 p. 001, IDENTIFICATION AND
DETERMINATION OF FREE FORMALDEHYDE.
42
James Michels, “Improved measurement of formaldehyde in water soluble polymers by high performance liquid
chromatography coupled with post column reaction detection”, Journal of Chromatography A, 914 (2001) 123-129.
43
ASTM International, ASTM D5910-05, Standard Test Method for Determination of Free Formaldehyde in
Emulsion Polymers by Liquid Chromatography.
44
NIST/EPA/NIH Mass Spectral Library (NIST 02 from National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard
Reference Program).
October 29, 2010
Page 19
10-C2731
10-C2731, neat
28-Sep-2010@12:52:35
10c2731 again
Scan EI+
TIC
8.71e7
5.56
Water
100
Air
Formaldehye
%
3.29
1-Hexadecanol
25.58
Ethanol
Methanol
2.07
0
Time
1.00
3.00
5.00
7.00
9.00
11.00
13.00
15.00
17.00
19.00
21.00
23.00
25.00
27.00
29.00
Air Sample Analysis
Analysis of all air samples taken was performed using NIOSH 2016.45 Samples were collected
on SKC 226-119 sorbent tubes at 0.05 to 0.2 liters per min. The 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine on
silica gel in the SKC 226-119 tubes reacts with any aldehydes present in the air. The contents of
the tubes were placed in autosampler vials and desorbed in 2 milliliters acetonitrile. The tubes
were analyzed by reverse phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography on a C18 column
with a methanol/water eluent. Detection was at 353 nanometers with a diode array detector.
45
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-113 (August, 1994), NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM), Fourth
Edition, FORMALDEHYDE: METHOD 2016, Issue 2, dated 15 March 2003.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 20
Summary and Discussion of Bulk Sample Results
Summary
A total of 105 samples of various hair-smoothing products were taken from 54 Oregon salons.
Of these, 37 samples came from bottles of the Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing
Solution, labeled “formaldehyde free.” The formaldehyde content of these samples ranged from
6.8 percent to 11.8 percent and averaged 8.8 percent. An additional 19 of the samples were of
Brazilian Blowout Solution (which is not labeled “formaldehyde free” but does not mention
formaldehyde on its packaging or material safety data sheet). The formaldehyde content of these
samples ranged from 6.4 to 10.8 percent and averaged 8.0 percent.
In addition to the Brazilian Blowout products, a limited number of samples also were taken of
the following hair smoothing products: 46
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Brazilian Gloss Keratin Smoothing Gloss
Keratin Express Brazilian Smoother
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy
Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Marcia Teixeira
Chocolate, extreme de-frizzing treatment
QOD Gold solution
Kera Green Keratin
Pravana Naturceuticals Keratin Fusion
JKs Smoothing Treatment
Bio Ionic Kera Smooth anti frizz
Although formaldehyde above the 0.1 percent threshold was found in all but the last three
products listed, the results in all but the first case were between one eighth and one quarter of the
results for Brazilian Blowout. The analysis of these products is summarized in the Table entitled
“Summary of Results of Hair Smoothing Products.”
In addition, Oregon OSHA staff collected a limited number of samples of various “after care”
products (because in at least some cases these products are promoted as having the same active
ingredients as the hair smoothing treatments). A summary of these results is found in the table
entitled “Summary of Other Hair Care Products,” while a more detailed list is found in the table
entitled “Detailed Results of Other Hair Care Products.”
Generally, the formaldehyde content of such products was quite low (if not below detectable
levels, at least below the 0.1 percent threshold). A few samples of the Brazilian Blowout
shampoos tested just above the threshold (the majority tested well below the 0.1 percent
threshold).
46
The samples collected were based on the products available in the salons visited, with particular emphasis on those
hair smoothing products that advertised themselves as containing no formaldehyde or that did not indicate a
formaldehyde risk on the material safety data sheet.
October 29, 2010
Page 21
Table 1: Summary of Results of Hair Smoothing Products
Oregon OSHA Analytical Laboratory
Number
of
samples
Smoothing Treatment
Brazilian Blowout Solution
Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional
Smoothing solution “Formaldehyde Free”
Average
Percent
Formaldehyde
Highest
Percent
Formaldehyde
Lowest
Percent
Formaldehyde
19
8.0
10.8
6.4
37
8.8
11.8
6.8
Brazilian Gloss Keratin Smoothing Gloss
Keratin Express Brazilian Smoothing
Treatment
1
7.3
7
1.2
1.2
1.0
Keratin Complex, Smoothing Therapy
3
1.9
2.3
1.7
Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Marcia Teixeira
4
1.6
2
1.2
Chocolate, extreme de-frizzing treatment
2
2.0
2.2
1.9
QOD GOLD SOLUTION
1
2
Kera Green Keratin and Protein Hair treatment
2
1.5
1.6
1.4
47
JK's Smoothing Treatment
1
< LOQ
Bio Ionic Kera Smooth Anti Frizz
2
<0.01
0.01
<0.01
Pravana Naturceuticals Keratin Fusion
2
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
Product
Table 2: Summary of Other Hair Products
Oregon OSHA Analytical Laboratory
Number of
Average %
Highest %
Samples
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde
Lowest %
Formaldehyde
Coloring
2
<0.01
Shampoo
9
0.05
0.15
<0.01
Conditioner
4
0.01
0.05
<0.01
Serum
3
0.05
0.06
0.05
Other
7
0.01
0.03
0.0005
Discussion of Oregon OSHA Bulk Sample Results
Apart from air monitoring or any other discussion of the hazards involved, several of the
analytical results make it clear that the material safety data sheet (MSDS) must address the
potential exposure to formaldehyde. Solutions with a measured formaldehyde content of more
than 0.1 percent must list formaldehyde as an ingredient, describe the potential hazards, and
discuss appropriate control measures to address those hazards.
The general requirements addressing communication about chemical hazards can be found in
CFR 1910.1200. This “hazard communication” rule requires all manufacturers, importers, and
distributers to provide an MSDS that lists all ingredients that are specifically regulated by
OSHA, or have a threshold limit value (TLV) established by the American Conference of
47
“LOQ” stands for “limit of quantification” and indicates that the sample’s formaldehyde content was below levels
at which it could be quantified.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 22
Table 3: Detailed Results of Other Hair Care Products
Oregon OSHA Analytical Laboratory
Product
Percent
Formaldehyde
Brazilian Blowout Anti-Frizz Conditioner Maintaining Product
0.05
Brazilian Blowout Deep Conditioning Masque Maintaining Product
Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque
<0.01
<0.01
Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque
<0.01
Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Anti-Residue Shampoo
0.05
Brazilian Blowout Shampoo
0.11
Brazilian Blowout Shampoo
0.04
Brazilian Blowout Acai Anti-Frizz Shampoo
0.01
Brazilian Blowout Anti-Frizz Shampoo
<0.01
Brazilian Blowout Anti Residue Shampoo
<0.01
Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Anti-Residue Shampoo
Brazilian Blowout Anti-Frizz Shampoo Maintaining Product.
Brazilian Blowout Anti Residue Shampoo
<0.01
0.11
0.15
Brazilian Blowout Acai Daily Smoothing Serum
0.05
Brazilian Blowout Acai Daily Smoothing Serum
0.05
Brazilian Blowout Acai Daily Smoothing Serum
0.06
CHI Transformation System Bonder Phase 2 (Red)
<0.01
CHI Transformation System Bonder Phase 2
<0.01
CHI Transformation System Solution Phase 1 (Blue)
0.03
CHI Transformation System Solution Phase 1
0.03
CHI Transformation System Solution 1 Phase (Green)
0.03
Igora Royal Coloring System, used 1:1 ratio with colorant
<0.01
Igora Roral Color Creme
<0.01
Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) or a recommended exposure limit (REL)
established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In addition,
the MSDS must list any chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at
least one study that demonstrates that it can cause acute or chronic health effects in exposed
employees.48,49 Such chemicals must be listed if they are found in the substance at a threshold of
1 percent for most chemicals, and 0.1 percent for known or suspected carcinogens.50
In addition to the general Hazard Communication requirement, the Formaldehyde Standard (CFR
1910.1048) applies to formaldehyde as a gas, in a liquid solution, or any material capable of
48
CFR 1910.1200(d)(2).
It is this provision that makes it clear that, even if methylene glycol was a completely different substance than
formaldehyde (it is not), manufacturers and distributors would still be required to address risks in relation to
“methylene glycol” itself as part of the material safety data sheet. There are ample studies showing that aqueous
formaldehyde results in acute and chronic health risks – and referring to the substance as methylene glycol does not
affect the validity of those studies.
50
CFR 1910.1200(d)(5)(ii).
49
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releasing formaldehyde.51 This standard also has specific provisions that trigger the hazard
communications standard. The threshold quantity for formaldehyde is 0.1 percent. In addition
to this requirement, the rule also requires that any material capable of releasing airborne
formaldehyde in concentrations greater than 0.1 part per million (ppm) must be identified on the
MSDS as formaldehyde.
Information that must be listed on the MSDS includes (but is not limited to):
•
•
•
•
The permissible exposure limit (PEL) established by OSHA, the TLV, and any other
recommended exposure limits identified by the manufacturer, importer, or distributer.
All health effects, including acute, chronic, carcinogenicity, sensitization
All precautions for safe handling and use, including protective equipment, engineering
controls, and work practice controls.
First aid and emergency procedures.
In addition to meeting these hazard communication requirements, the Formaldehyde Standard
requires employers using materials above the 0.1 percent threshold to assess actual airborne
exposures, as well as to meet other requirements related to personal protective equipment and
emergency eyewash, depending upon the exact hazards involved.
51
CFR 1910.1048(m)(1)(i).
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 24
Summary and Discussion of Oregon OSHA Air Monitoring Results
Summary
Air samples were taken in seven salons during treatment with Brazilian Blowout Acai
Professional Smoothing Solution (labeled “Formaldehyde Free”). In each case the stylist treated
only one client. Neither that stylist nor other stylists in the same salon treated any other clients on
the day of sampling. The treatment is a three-step process in which the stylist combs in the
solution, blow dries the hair and then heat treats it. The stylists were sampled during this
process. Samples were also taken on adjacent people or in adjacent areas in six of the salons.
The exposures varied widely depending on many factors, such as ventilation, room size, and
duration of treatment. The highest exposure was 1.88 parts per million (ppm) for 26 minutes
while blow drying the hair. The highest 8-hour time weighted average exposure was 0.331 ppm.
Like federal OSHA, Oregon OSHA has four airborne exposure levels for formaldehyde that are
relevant to these exposures. The standard’s action level triggers additional requirements if the
8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exceeds 0.50 ppm52 and the permissible exposure limit
(PEL) prohibits employers from exceeding an 8-hour TWA of 0.75 ppm formaldehyde.53 The
highest exposure was 66 percent of the action level and 44 percent of the PEL. However, if the
same stylist had performed one more comparable two-hour procedure in the course of the same
day, the time-weighted-average would likely have been approximately twice as high, putting it
well over the action level and at more than 85 percent of the PEL. A third comparable procedure
would have been likely to result in exposures above the PEL.
In addition, and of particular concern in relation to this sample, the standard includes a Short
Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 2 ppm.54 This exposure level cannot be exceeded for any 15
min period. As noted, the highest exposure documented (for a 26-minute period) was 1.88 ppm,
which is 94 percent of the STEL. Given the presence of two fans during the procedure in
question, it is not difficult to imagine a scenario where the STEL might be exceeded (at least by
this stylist).
The Formaldehyde Standard includes additional requirements that are invoked when employees
are exposed to airborne levels above an eight-hour average of 0.1 ppm, the employer must
institute an annual training program – and must provide medical surveillance to employees
reporting formaldehyde signs and symptoms.55
When employees are exposed to levels exceeding the action level or the STEL, the employer also
must perform periodic air monitoring and institute a medical surveillance program. When
exposures exceed the PEL, the employer also must establish regulated areas and provide
respiratory protection when other control measures, such as ventilation or work practices, cannot
reduce the levels below the PEL.
52
1910.1048(b).
1910.1048(c)(1).
54
1910.1048(c)(2).
55
1910.1048(l)(1)(ii). This requirement is also independently triggered by the presence of materials containing more
than 0.1 percent formaldehyde.
53
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There are other organizations that have recommended exposure limits. Although they do not
carry the force of law (as OSHA’s limits do), they reflect the considered recommendation of the
workplace health community.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) established a
threshold limit value ceiling level (TLV-Ceiling) of 0.3 parts per million (PPM) in 1992. This
differs from an 8-hour limit because it limits exposures to 0.3 ppm at any time. In the 2001
“Documentation of Threshold Limit Values,” this value was established to minimize irritation,
primarily to the eyes and upper respiratory tract. ACGIH also recognizes formaldehyde as a
suspected human carcinogen, based on animal studies that resulted in cancers in nasal cavities.
In 2000, ACGIH added the “sensitizer,” in recognition that the TLV may not protect sensitized
individuals. The most recent ACGIH recommendation maintains the previously adopted
language.56 The ACGIH recommendation was exceeded in most of the air monitoring conducted
by Oregon OSHA.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, has a recommended exposure level (REL) of 0.016 ppm as
an 8-hour time weighted average, as well as a 15-minute short term exposure limit of 0.1 ppm.57
NIOSH also considers formaldehyde to be a known carcinogen (which likely explains the
particularly low recommended exposure levels). The NIOSH recommended limit were exceeded
in all the air monitoring conducted by Oregon OSHA (the results reported by the company for
stylists also exceeded the NIOSH limit, and the sample for the middle of the salon reached the
NIOSH recommended limit for 8-hour exposures).
To provide some perspective, the exposure at 1.88 ppm formaldehyde ranks 6th among the 600
air monitoring samples for formaldehyde Oregon OSHA has collected during the past five years.
It is just slightly higher than one particular sample taken during embalming, which measured
1.87 ppm.
Discussion of Air Sampling Scenarios
Case 1: The first salon was in Portland. It was a relatively small salon with roughly six stations.
Each station had a chest high divider separating it from neighboring stations. The room had
general dilution ventilation that was augmented with two fans. One blew across the client and
the other blew toward the stylist. The stylist wore nitrile gloves. The stylist was sampled for
airborne formaldehyde exposure during this process.
In this case the stylist took 34 minutes to apply the solution. The exposure was 1.26 ppm
formaldehyde for this time period. The stylist took 26 minutes to blow dry the hair and 1.88 ppm
formaldehyde was found for this time period. Two samples were taken during the heat
treatment. The first sample was for 48 minutes. 1.35 ppm formaldehyde was found for this time
period. The second sample was for 6 minutes and 0.369 ppm formaldehyde was found. The
time weighed average (TWA) exposure for the 114 minutes to complete the treatment was 1.39
ppm. The 8 hour TWA, with no additional Brazilian Blowout treatments conducted in the salon,
was 0.331 ppm. Two samples were taken in the reception area of the salon during this process.
56
2010 Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, ISBN 978-1-607260-19-6.
Found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0293.html,
57
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
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The first sample was for 91 minutes and 0.319 ppm formaldehyde was found. The second
sample was for 26 minutes and 0.227 ppm formaldehyde was found.
The stylist’s exposure was 44 percent of the eight-hour exposure limit (PEL) and 66 percent of
the action level. In this case the stylist’s highest short-term exposure was 94 percent of the
mandatory short-term limit and more than 6 times the ceiling limit recommended by the ACGIH.
One sample in the reception area exceeded the ACGIH recommended ceiling, as did the eighthour average itself.
Case 2: The second salon was in a medium-sized room with about 8 stylists’ stations
downstairs. The building had an upstairs as well. There were no dividers between the stylist’s
stations and there was no general ventilation. A window and a door were left open during the
procedure to increase ventilation. The stylist wore nitrile gloves.
This stylist took 13 minutes to apply the solution. The formaldehyde exposure during this time
was 0.303 ppm. She took 20 minutes to dry the hair and the formaldehyde exposure was 1.45
ppm. The heat treatment took 12 minutes and the formaldehyde exposure was 0.273 ppm.
The stylist’s average exposure during the treatment was 0.805 ppm and the 8 hour average was
0.075 ppm. An area sample was taken at an adjacent station and the formaldehyde was 0.2 ppm.
In this case stylist’s exposure was only 10 percent of the eight-hour exposure limit and 15
percent of the action level. Even with multiple treatments, she would have been unlikely to
exceed either the PEL or the action level. However, the highest short-term exposure reached 73
percent of the mandatory short-term limit and was almost five times the ACGIH-recommended
ceiling. The adjacent station reached 67 percent of the ACGIH-recommended ceiling.
Case 3: The third salon was in a very large room with a high ceiling and general dilution
ventilation. A window was left open to increase ventilation. The client had shoulder length hair.
The stylist wore nitrile gloves.
The stylist took 23 minutes to apply the solution. The formaldehyde exposure was 0.206 ppm.
She took 13 minutes to blow dry the hair and the exposure was 0.472 ppm. She took 25 minutes
to heat treat the hair. The formaldehyde exposure was 0.181 ppm. She did a second blow dry
for 15 minutes and the exposure was 0.084 ppm. A 188-minute sample was taken upstairs. It
had a concentration of 0.048 ppm formaldehyde. A sample taken for 24 minutes after the
treatment was 0.045 ppm formaldehyde. A 15-minute sample taken after that had formaldehyde
less than the limit of quantification.
The stylist’s average exposure during the treatment was 0.219 and the 8 hour average was 0.035
ppm, 7 percent of the action level and less than 5 percent of the 8-hour permissible exposure
limit. Even with multiple treatments, she would have been unlikely to exceed the PEL or the
action level. Her highest short-term exposure was 24 percent of the mandatory short-term
exposure level and 50 percent higher than the ACGIH-recommended ceiling.
Case 4: A fourth salon had 8 stylists in a large room with some partitions between stations.
There were several adjacent rooms and the front and back doors were left open for ventilation.
The stylist wore latex gloves (latex gloves are not recommended for use with formaldehyde).
The client had shoulder-length hair.
October 29, 2010
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The samples in this case were not identified by task. The first sample took 19 minutes and the
formaldehyde exposure was 0.442 ppm. The second sample was for 47 minutes and the
exposure was 0.34 ppm. The stylist’s average exposure during the procedure was 0.369 ppm and
her eight-hour average was 0.051 ppm. Two samples were taken on an adjacent stylist. Her first
sample was for 16 minutes and formaldehyde was less than the limit of quantification. The
second sample was for 57 minute and the exposure was 0.121 ppm. A person away from the
treatment process was also sampled. Her exposures were 0.045 ppm formaldehyde for the first
41 minutes and 0.112 ppm for the next 57 minutes.
Once again, the stylist’s exposures were 10 percent of the action level and less than seven
percent of the 8-hour limit, making it unlikely that even multiple treatments would result in
exposures above either the action level or the PEL. The stylist’s highest short-term exposure was
22 percent of mandatory short-term limit 50 percent greater than the ACGIH-recommended
ceiling.
Case 5: The fifth salon was in an unusually large room with ceilings higher than 20 feet. The
room had general ventilation. The stylist wore nitrile gloves.
The samples were not separated by task. The first sample took 17 minutes and the formaldehyde
exposure was 0.108 ppm. The second sample was for 15 minutes and the exposure was 0.074
ppm. The stylist’s average exposure during the treatment was 0.092 ppm and the 8 hour average
was 0.006 ppm. This stylist was well under the action level, as well as the mandatory eight-hour
and short term limits. In contrast to the other procedures sampled, her exposure was also below
the ACGIH-recommended level, coming in at 36 percent of the recommended ceiling.
Case 6: The sixth salon was in a room with two large ceiling fans on ceiling of different heights.
There were six stations and the stylist sampled was in the area with the highest ceilings. The
doors were left open during the treatment process. The stylist had a fan that blew across the
clinent and wore nitrile gloves.
Breathing zone samples were placed on the stylist during the process. The samples were
changed every 15 minutes. Samples were also placed on a chair between stylist stations, behind
the stylist, in the reception area, and near the trash receptacle. The highest 15-minute exposure
for the stylist was 0.176 ppm while blow drying and ironing the hair. Her average exposure
during the procedure was 0.059 ppm and the 8-hour average was 0.006 ppm. The area sample on
the chair had a peak exposure of 0.295 ppm, an average during the 45-minute treatment period of
0.144 ppm, and an 8 hour average of 0.014 ppm. The area behind the stylist had a peak exposure
of 0.206 ppm with a an average during the treatment of 0.116 ppm and an 8 hour average of
0.011 ppm. All the samples in the reception area were less than the limit of quantification of 0.2
ug per sample. The area at the trash receptacle had a peak exposure of 0.227 ppm with an
average during the treatment of 0125 ppm and an 8 hour average of 0.012 ppm.
The stylist’s exposure was well below the Oregon OSHA PEL of 0.75 ppm and about 9 percent
of the short-term limit, making it unlikely that either limit would be exceeded even if multiple
treatments had been conducted during a single day. It was about 60 percent of the ACGIHrecommended level. The areas around the stylist had higher concentrations of formaldehyde
during the course of the treatment than those to which the stylist was exposed.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 28
Case 7: The seventh salon had four stations with a false ceiling. No doors or window were left
open and the stylist did not use any fans during the treatment. She did not wear gloves.
Breathing zone samples were placed on the stylist during the process, which took 94 minutes.
The samples were changed every 15 minutes. Samples were also placed to the right of the
stylist, near the stylist’s sink and to the left of the stylist. The stylist’s peak exposure was 0.471
ppm, while applying the solution. Her average exposure during the procedure was 0.255 ppm
and the 8 hour average was 0.050 ppm. The results did not exceed the 8-hour limit and it is
unlikely that multiple treatments would have done so. The stylist’s highest short-term exposure
was about 24 percent of the mandatory short-term limit, although both her highest and second
highest 15-minute exposures exceeded the ACGIH recommended ceiling of 0.3 ppm..
The area to the right of the stylist had a peak concentration of 0.157 ppm, with an average of
0.066 ppm and a 8-hour average of 0.013 ppm. The area near the sink had a peak concentration
of 0.183 ppm. The area to the left of the stylist had a peak concentration of 0.160 ppm, an
average of 0.062 ppm and an 8 hour average of 0.12 ppm.
Discussion of Oregon OSHA Results Compared to Brazilian Blowout’s Reported Results
The company released air monitoring results on October 15, 2010, taken from two stylists
performing two treatments each in a single salon. The only results reported were for the eighthour average exposure, which came to 0.064 ppm for one stylist and 0.073 ppm for the other.
The middle of the salon also was tested, providing an eight-hour average of 0.016.58
In general, these results – although less detailed – are not inconsistent with Oregon OSHA’s air
monitoring results, which included both results that were higher and results that were lower than
those reported by the company.
This exposure level is below both the action limit and the permissible exposure level.59 Given
Oregon OSHA’s own results, however, both CROET and Oregon OSHA would be interested in
the short-term exposure levels included in the company’s sampling. It seems likely that the
product used was relatively small and that ventilation, in keeping with the company’s
recommendations, was good. Assuming that the procedures took no more than two hours each
(likely to be an overestimate), the average exposure during the procedure would be roughly half
that reported for the eight-hour average.
If the procedures averaged no more than 75 minutes each (not an unreasonable assumption,
given the time frames reported during the Oregon OSHA sampling), then the two stylists
probably averaged more than 0.2 ppm during the procedure itself.
58
Found at http://www.brazilianblowout.com/pdf/october15.pdf.
As the standard notes, formaldehyde can cause signs and symptoms at much lower levels than the specified
exposure limits, which is why the standard triggers a number of requirements at an 8-hour time-weighted average of
0.1 ppm. The action level and permissible exposure limits (PELs) can perhaps better be described as “danger” levels
– they are regulatory levels of significant, and exceeding the PEL is a serious violation of the standard. While
staying below the action level may mean that an employer is in compliance (assuming the air monitoring, medical
surveillance, personal protective equipment, and hazard communication requirements of the standard also are met),
it does not mean that formaldehyde levels are “safe.”
59
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Again, using Oregon OSHA’s results for reference, it appears unlikely that the mandatory shortterm levels were exceeded. However – given the level of variation observed during the Oregon
OSHA air monitoring – it is quite possible that a 0.2 ppm average exposure over the course of a
75-minute treatment also would involve a short-term exposure in excess of the ACGIHrecommended ceiling of 0.3 ppm.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
Page 30
Discussion of the Potential Use of Air Monitoring Results by Other Salons
The Formaldehyde Standard requires each employer who is using formaldehyde or
formaldehyde-containing products to “monitor employees to determine their exposure to
formaldehyde.”60 However, it provides for an exception for those employers who document
“using objective data, that the presence of formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing products in
the workplace cannot result in airborne concentrations of formaldehyde” above the action level
or the short-term exposure limit “under foreseeable conditions of use.”61
In applying this exception, it is important to recognize its limited nature. For example, one set of
results provided by the manufacturer – even if they show no possibility for exposures above the
action level and the short-term exposure limit – would not allow all employers using a particular
formaldehyde-containing product to disregard the requirement to engage in testing. The
variations in Oregon OSHA’s own testing simply confirm the need for employers using these
products to comply with the standard by obtaining air monitoring in relation to their own needs
and situations. Even within a workplace, the employer must take into account variation between
employees, looking either at “worst case” scenarios or at a random selection if worst-case
scenarios cannot be identified.
The standard includes employee-specific air monitoring requirements precisely because such
variations are the norm, rather than the exception. For hair stylists applying hair smoothing
products that contain or can release formaldehyde, variables include the amount of product used,
the length of time for each task, multiple applications of the product, the configuration of the
station used by the stylist, the room volume of the salon, the type of ventilation, if any, and how
the air in the salon moves. Variations also may result by particular application methods used by
a particular stylist. One or two sample results below an established limit do not automatically
guarantee that the product cannot result in exposures above those limits. They demonstrate only
the exposure levels to those hair stylists at the time the air monitoring occurred.
CROET and Oregon OSHA note that ventilation is an important workplace control when
respiratory hazards are confronted. 62 But in assessing the potential risks of a product, it is the
worst-case scenario that must evaluated. If a manufacturer wishes to provide meaningful
assistance to employers using its product, it will need to consider likely misuse or the potential to
fail to follow instructions. In the case of a hair smoothing product, that means that the
manufacturer would need to evaluate the product with little or no ventilation. It also means the
manufacturer would need to consider the potential for overuse of the product and evaluate what
effect that would have on exposure. It may be tempting to discard the highest Oregon OSHA
results as atypical. They may indeed be atypical, but they are not unrealistic. And no employer
using a similar product can assume that its results would be different without assessing the risk
based on actual exposures in its own worst-case scenarios.
60
CFR 1910.1048(d)(1)(i).
CFR 1910.1048(d)(1)(ii).
62
In discussing the importance of ventilation and the likelihood that stylists will adhere to their training regarding
proper ventilation, it is worth noting the absence in the material safety data sheet of any reference to ventilation or to
airborne hazards. When combined with the absence of any warnings regarding formaldehyde and the positive
statement that no hazardous chemicals are present (and in some cases a label stating the product is formaldehyde
free), as well as the emphasis on the use of “natural” ingredients and the absence of any “harsh chemicals,” one
would expect to find at least some stylists using the product in the absence of the necessary ventilation.
61
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Conclusion
Oregon OSHA and CROET have concluded that there are meaningful risks to salon workers
when they are confronted with these hair smoothing products. Effective control of those risks
depends upon accurate information regarding the potential hazards and the control measures
available, which in turn begins with an accurate understanding of the ingredients and the
potential harm they may cause.
In conjunction with this report, Oregon OSHA is advising Oregon salons and stylists that hairsmoothing treatments – particularly those generally referred to as “Keratin-based treatments”63 –
should generally be treated as formaldehyde-containing products and the requirements of the
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard must be followed when there are employees under the Oregon
Safe Employment Act (OSEA). Further, employers should be advised that any product that
contains “methylene glycol” will continue to be treated as a formaldehyde-containing product
under the OSEA.
63
It is worth noting that, although these products are often referred to using phrases such as “Keratin-based hair
smoothing treatments,” CROET and Oregon OSHA have no concerns about keratin itself. Keratin is a naturallyoccurring protein, and its presence in a product does not represent a known risk. Human hair is naturally made up
largely of keratin.
Hair Smoothing Products and Formaldehyde
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